System and method for using multiple wireless devices on a single wireless phone number

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, responsive to a first registration request to access a mobile network, determining whether a first phone number associated with a first IMSI assigned to a first SIM of a first mobile device matches a second phone number associated with a second IMSI assigned to a second SIM of a second mobile device, determining whether the second mobile device is currently registered to the mobile network, and, in turn, sending a request for authentication to register the first mobile device and to deregister the second mobile device, determining whether a response to the request for the authentication code matches an authentication code, and responsive to the determining the response matches the authentication code, registering the first mobile device to the mobile network and deregistering the second mobile device from the mobile network. Other embodiments are disclosed.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for usingmultiple wireless devices on a single wireless phone number.

BACKGROUND

Modern telecommunications systems provide consumers with telephonycapabilities while accessing a large variety of content. Consumers areno longer bound to specific locations when communicating with others orwhen enjoying multimedia content or accessing the varied resourcesavailable via the Internet. Network capabilities have expanded and havecreated additional interconnections and new opportunities for usingmobile communication devices in a variety of situations. Intelligentdevices offer new means for experiencing network interactions in waysthat anticipate consumer desires and provide solutions to problems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary, non-limitingembodiment of a communications network in accordance with variousaspects described herein.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system for of FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspectsdescribed herein.

FIG. 2B depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method in accordancewith various aspects described herein.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a virtualized communication network in accordance withvarious aspects described herein.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of amobile network platform in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acommunication device in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrativeembodiments for using multiple wireless devices on a single phonenumber. A registration request for a first mobile device to access amobile network can be received at a mobile switching center. The mobileswitching center can determine if a first international mobilesubscriber identity (IMSI) that is assigned to a first subscriber module(SIM) is permitted to access the mobile network, and, if so, then afirst phone number associated with the first IMSI can be retrieved. Themobile switching center can determine if the first phone numberassociated with the first IMSI of the first mobile device matches asecond phone number associated a second IMSI of a second mobile device.The mobile switching center can also determine if the second mobiledevice is currently registered to the mobile network, and, if so, thenthe mobile switching center can send a request for authentication toregister the first mobile device and to deregister the second mobiledevice. The mobile switching unit can determine whether a response tothe request for authentication matches an authentication code, and, inturn can register the first mobile device, while the mobile switchingunit can deregister the second mobile device.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a method,performing operations by a mobile switching center. The method caninclude receiving a first registration request to access a mobilenetwork. Responsive to the receiving the first registration request, themethod can also include determining whether a first mobile deviceassociated with the first registration request is permitted to accessthe mobile network according to a first international mobile subscriberidentity (IMSI) assigned to a first subscriber identity module (SIM) ofthe first mobile device. Responsive to determining that the first mobiledevice is permitted access to the mobile network, the method can furtherinclude retrieving a first phone number associated with the first IMSIand determining whether the first phone number associated with the firstIMSI matches a second phone number associated with a second IMSIassigned to a second SIM of a second mobile device. In turn, the methodcan include determining whether the second mobile device is currentlyregistered to the mobile network. Responsive to determining that thefirst phone number matches the second phone number and that the secondmobile device is currently registered to the mobile network, the methodcan also include sending a request for authentication to register thefirst mobile device and to deregister the second mobile device. Themethod can further include determining whether a response to the requestfor the authentication code matches an authentication code, and,responsive to the determining the response matches the authenticationcode, registering the first mobile device to the mobile network andderegistering, by the mobile switching center, the second mobile devicefrom the mobile network.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a device,including a processing system including a processor and a memory thatstores executable instructions that, when executed by the processingsystem, facilitate performance of operations. The operations can includeretrieving a first phone number associated with a first internationalmobile subscriber identity (IMSI) assigned to a first subscriberidentity module (SIM) of a first mobile device associated with the firstregistration request responsive to a first registration request toaccess a mobile network. The operations can also include determiningwhether the first phone number associated with the first IMSI of thefirst mobile device matches a second phone number associated with asecond IMSI assigned to a second SIM of a second mobile device anddetermining whether the second mobile device is currently registered tothe mobile network. Responsive to determining that the first phonenumber matches the second phone number and that the second mobile deviceis currently registered to the mobile network, the operations canfurther include sending a request for authentication to register thefirst mobile device and to deregister the second mobile device and, inturn, determining whether a response to the request for theauthentication code matches an authentication code. Responsive to thedetermining the response matches the authentication code, the operationscan include registering the first mobile device to the mobile networkand deregistering the second mobile device from the mobile network.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a machine-readablemedium, comprising executable instructions that, when executed by aprocessing system including a processor, facilitate performance ofoperations. The operations can include determining whether a first phonenumber associated with a first international mobile subscriber identity(IMSI) assigned to a first subscriber identity module (SIM) of a firstmobile device matches a second phone number associated with a secondIMSI assigned to a second SIM of a second mobile device responsive to afirst registration request to access a mobile network. The operationscan also include determining whether the second mobile device iscurrently registered to the mobile network. Responsive to determiningthat the first phone number matches the second phone number and that thesecond mobile device is currently registered to the mobile network, theoperations can further include sending a request for authentication toregister the first mobile device and to deregister the second mobiledevice and, in turn, determining whether a response to the request forthe authentication code matches an authentication code. Responsive tothe determining the response matches the authentication code, theoperations can include registering the first mobile device to the mobilenetwork and deregistering the second mobile device from the mobilenetwork

Referring now to FIG. 1 , a block diagram is shown illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a system 100 in accordance withvarious aspects described herein. For example, system 100 can facilitatein whole or in part for using multiple wireless devices on a singlephone number. A registration request for a first mobile device to accessa mobile network can be received at a mobile switching center. Themobile switching center can determine if a first international mobilesubscriber identity (IMSI) that is assigned to a first subscriber module(SIM) is permitted to access the mobile network, and, if so, then afirst phone number associated with the first IMSI can be retrieved. Themobile switching center can determine if the first phone numberassociated with the first IMSI of the first mobile device matches asecond phone number associated a second IMSI of a second mobile device.The mobile switching center can also determine if the second mobiledevice is currently registered to the mobile network, and, if so, thenthe mobile switching center can send a request for authentication toregister the first mobile device and to deregister the second mobiledevice. The mobile switching unit can determine whether a response tothe request for authentication matches an authentication code, and, inturn can register the first mobile device, while the mobile switchingunit can deregister the second mobile device.

In particular, a communications network 125 is presented for providingbroadband access 110 to a plurality of data terminals 114 via accessterminal 112, wireless access 120 to a plurality of mobile devices 124and vehicle 126 via base station or access point 122, voice access 130to a plurality of telephony devices 134, via switching device 132 and/ormedia access 140 to a plurality of audio/video display devices 144 viamedia terminal 142. In addition, communication network 125 is coupled toone or more content sources 175 of audio, video, graphics, text and/orother media. While broadband access 110, wireless access 120, voiceaccess 130 and media access 140 are shown separately, one or more ofthese forms of access can be combined to provide multiple accessservices to a single client device (e.g., mobile devices 124 can receivemedia content via media terminal 142, data terminal 114 can be providedvoice access via switching device 132, and so on).

The communications network 125 includes a plurality of network elements(NE) 150, 152, 154, 156, etc. for facilitating the broadband access 110,wireless access 120, voice access 130, media access 140 and/or thedistribution of content from content sources 175. The communicationsnetwork 125 can include a circuit switched or packet switched network, avoice over Internet protocol (VoIP) network, Internet protocol (IP)network, a cable network, a passive or active optical network, a 4G, 5G,or higher generation wireless access network, WIMAX network,UltraWideband network, personal area network or other wireless accessnetwork, a broadcast satellite network and/or other communicationsnetwork.

In various embodiments, the access terminal 112 can include a digitalsubscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM), cable modem terminationsystem (CMTS), optical line terminal (OLT) and/or other access terminal.The data terminals 114 can include personal computers, laptop computers,netbook computers, tablets or other computing devices along with digitalsubscriber line (DSL) modems, data over coax service interfacespecification (DOCSIS) modems or other cable modems, a wireless modemsuch as a 4G, 5G, or higher generation modem, an optical modem and/orother access devices.

In various embodiments, the base station or access point 122 can includea 4G, 5G, or higher generation base station, an access point thatoperates via an 802.11 standard such as 802.11n, 802.11ac or otherwireless access terminal. The mobile devices 124 can include mobilephones, e-readers, tablets, phablets, wireless modems, and/or othermobile computing devices.

In various embodiments, the switching device 132 can include a privatebranch exchange or central office switch, a media services gateway, VoIPgateway or other gateway device and/or other switching device. Thetelephony devices 134 can include traditional telephones (with orwithout a terminal adapter), VoIP telephones and/or other telephonydevices.

In various embodiments, the media terminal 142 can include a cablehead-end or other TV head-end, a satellite receiver, gateway or othermedia terminal 142. The display devices 144 can include televisions withor without a set top box, personal computers and/or other displaydevices.

In various embodiments, the content sources 175 include broadcasttelevision and radio sources, video on demand platforms and streamingvideo and audio services platforms, one or more content data networks,data servers, web servers and other content servers, and/or othersources of media.

In various embodiments, the communications network 125 can includewired, optical and/or wireless links and the network elements 150, 152,154, 156, etc. can include service switching points, signal transferpoints, service control points, network gateways, media distributionhubs, servers, firewalls, routers, edge devices, switches and othernetwork nodes for routing and controlling communications traffic overwired, optical and wireless links as part of the Internet and otherpublic networks as well as one or more private networks, for managingsubscriber access, for billing and network management and for supportingother network functions.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system 200 functioning within the communication networkof FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein. In one ormore embodiments, the system 200 can facilitate using multiple wirelessdevices on a single phone number. The system 200 can include a mobilenetwork 204 for providing voice and data services to mobilecommunication devices 220-226. The mobile network 204 can include amobile switching center (MSC) 208 for controlling access to a mobilenetwork 204. The MSC 208 can set up and release end-to-end connection tothe mobile network, as well as handle mobility and hand-over situationsduring calls. The MSC 208 can include a mobile switching center server(MSS) 230, a home location register (HLR) 212, and a visitor locationregister (VLR) 216.

The MSS 230 can provide global system for mobile communications (GSM)services and mobility management services for mobile devices 220.Control can be split between control plane signaling and user plane databearing. The HLR 212 can be a central database with details for eachmobile device 220 and subscriber that is authorized to access the mobilenetwork. The HLR 212 can be organized according to the unique IMSI thatis assigned to each SIM card of each mobile device 220. The IMSI recordcan further include a mobile station international subscriber directorynumber (MSISDN). The MSISDN serves as a global phone number foraccessing mobile device 220 and can be formatted according to the E.164standard as a maximum of 15 digits. The HLR 212 can include anauthentication center (AuC) for authenticating the SIM card of themobile device 220 based on the IMSI that is provided in anauthentication request from the mobile device 220. The VLR 216 can be adatabase of mobile devices 220-226 that have roamed into the geographicjurisdiction of the MSC 208. The VLR 216 can receive IMSI data from theHLR 212.

In one or more embodiments, the system 200 facilitates using allowingmultiple mobile devices 220-226 to use a single phone number to accessthe mobile network 204 without moving a SIM card between these devices.A single phone number can be used on different mobile devices 220-226 atdifferent times, which can enable a subscriber to easily choose betweenany of several mobile device 220-226 based on the subscriber's currentactivity or location. Further, the subscriber can quickly and easilyplace any of their mobile devices 222 into service as a backup to theirprimary mobile device 220 in the event the primary mobile device 220 islost, stolen, or fails.

There are many occasions when a subscriber may want to use differentmobile devices 220-226 under a common phone number. For instance, if thesubscriber forgets their primary mobile device 220 at home, it would beconvenient to still be able to make and receive calls from a secondarymobile device 222. This secondary mobile device 220 can be a standalonesmart phone 222 or a mobile device built into a car, a recreationalvehicle, or a boat 226. Likewise, when the subscriber is on their boat226, they one may not want to keep their primary mobile device 220 inthe open, where it may get wet or be accidentally lost overboard.

In another example, the subscriber may engage in jogging, or some otherphysical activity, where the size and weight of their primary mobiledevice 220 may be undesirable. A wearable mobile device 224, such as asmart watch, may be preferred. The smart watch 224 can provide a meansof communicating without having to bring a cell phone. In addition, aconstant access to communication via a mobile phone 220 may becritically important to a subscriber engaged in running a business,providing medical information, or serving as an “on-call” physician.

In all these cases, it may be highly desirable to have the capabilitiesand backup possibilities of multiple mobile device 220-226, where all ofthese devices are capable of operating under the same base phone number.The problem is selectively connecting any one of these mobile devices220-226 to the mobile network 204, while using a single, common mobilephone number.

In one or more embodiments, when a subscriber turns on a mobile device220, the mobile device 220 can request registration on the mobilenetwork 204. IMSI information from the SIM card of this mobile device220 can be sent to the MSC 208. The IMSI information can beauthenticated by the AuC 212 by comparing the IMSI to information storedat the HLR 212. If the IMSI is permitted to use this mobile network 204,then the AuC 212 should find an IMSI record in the HLR 212. Once theIMSI information is found and authenticated, then the IMSI informationassociated with the SIM card of this mobile device 220 can be placed inthe VLR along with the location area code (LAC) for the geographic area,where the mobile device is located at the present time. If the mobiledevice 220 subsequently moves to a new area (i.e., a different LAC) thatis served by a different MSC 208, then the information in the VLR isupdated to reflect the presence of the mobile device 220 in the new LAC.

In one or more embodiments, the subscriber may have several mobiledevices 220-226, which share a common phone number, even though eachdevice includes a separate SIM card and unique IMSI number. Thesubscriber may choose to turn on a secondary mobile device 222 afterprimary mobile device 220 has been turned on and registered with themobile network 204. Turning on the secondary mobile device 222 can causethe authentication sequence to occur, where the secondary mobile device222 can request registration on the mobile network 204. Second IMSIinformation from a second SIM card of the secondary mobile device 222can be sent to the MSC 208. The second IMSI information for the secondmobile device 222 can be authenticated by the AuC 212 by comparing thesecond IMSI to information stored at the HLR 212. If the AuC 212 findsthe second IMSI record in the HLR 212, then the second IMSI for thesecondary mobile device 222 is permitted to use the mobile network 204.Once the second IMSI information is found and authenticated, then thesecond IMSI information associated with the second SIM card of thesecondary mobile device 220 can be placed in the VLR along with thelocation area code (LAC) for the geographic area. In one or moreembodiments, once the MSC 208 has authenticated the second IMSI, the MSC208 can retrieve a second MSISDN, or second phone number, for thesecondary mobile device 222 from the HLR record associated with theIMSI.

In one or more embodiments, the MSC 208 can compare the second phonenumber for the secondary mobile device 222 with phone numbers of otherIMSI records stored in the HLR 212. If the MSC 208 finds that the secondphone number does not match any of the other phone numbers for IMSIrecords stored in the HLR 212, then the MSC 208 can proceed to registerthe secondary mobile device 222 on the mobile network. This would be thecase if, for example, the primary mobile device 220 had never beenturned on or registered or had been shut down for a long enough timeperiod for the MSC 208 to purge its IMSI record. However, if the MSC 208determines that the second phone number of the secondary mobile device222 is a numerical match for a phone number of another IMSI record inthe HLR 212, such as the first phone number of the subscriber's primarymobile device 220, then the MSC 208 can perform additional processing onthe registration request.

In one or more embodiments, the detection of matching phone numbersbetween the primary mobile device 220 and the secondary mobile device222 can trigger the MSC 208 send a request for authentication. Therequest for authentication can be sent the secondary mobile device 222.Alternatively, the request for authentication can be sent to the primarymobile device 220 or to both devices. The request for authentication canbe in form of a SMS message, such as a text message, sent to thesecondary mobile device 222. Alternatively, the request forauthentication can be in the form of an application or a window that isopened at the secondary mobile device 222.

The request for authentication can include a message requesting entry ofa secret code, such as a personal identification number (PIN). If thesecondary mobile device 222 replies to the request for verification, theMSC 208 can determine whether the reply includes a match of the expectedauthentication code. In one embodiment, the MSC 208 can determinewhether the response from the secondary mobile device 222 is receivedwithin a time period. If the response is found by the secondary mobiledevice 222 to not be timely, then the MSC 208 can refuse to register thesecondary mobile device 222.

In one or more embodiments, if the MSC 208 determines that the responseto the request for authentication includes the expected authenticationcode, then the MSC 208 can register the secondary mobile device 222. Inone embodiment, the MSC 208 can, in response to the successfulauthentication, deregister the primary mobile device 222. The MSC 208can thereby facilitate a swap from the primary mobile device 220 to thesecond mobile device 222, using the same phone number, at the behest andunder the control of the subscriber. In one embodiment, the registrationrequest for the secondary mobile device 222 can be triggered by thepowering up of the secondary mobile device 222. In one embodiment, theregistration request for the secondary mobile device 222 can betriggered by an application or a function operating at the secondarymobile device 222. In one embodiment, the registration request for thesecondary mobile device 222 can be triggered by a detection, by themobile network 204, of a loss of network connection between the primarymobile device 220 and the mobile network 204.

In one or more embodiments, the MSC 208 can assign a temporarysubscriber identity (TMSI) to the secondary mobile device 222, which canbe used for subsequent voice and data sessions with the secondary mobiledevice 222. In addition, incoming calls to the common phone number thatis shared between the primary mobile device 220 and the secondary mobiledevice 222, can be routed to the secondary mobile device 222, becausethe LAC of the secondary mobile device 222 can be updated to the VLR,and paging to the secondary mobile device 222 can be coordinatedaccording to this LAC.

In one or more embodiments, the primary mobile device 220 can bere-registered based on an action, such as a repowering of the primarymobile device 220. Repowering the primary mobile device 220 can causethe primary mobile device 220 to send out a registration request to themobile network 204. The MSC 208 can, again, detect that the primarymobile device 220 bears the same phone number as the secondary mobiledevice 222. However, this conflict can be resolved by the primary mobiledevice 220 providing the proper authentication code, as described above,such that the primary mobile device 220 is re-registered to the mobilenetwork 204, and the secondary mobile device 222 is de-registered fromthe mobile network 204.

Thus, if a subscriber or user wants to use a different mobile device 222having the same phone number as the current mobile device 220, then thesubscriber can simply turn on the selected mobile device 222. Theselected mobile device 222 can attempt to register on the mobile network204. Since another mobile device 220 is already registered on thenetwork, the conflict in duplicate phone numbers must be resolved. Firstthe MSC 208 can check the HLR or AuC 212 to authenticate the IMSI in theselected mobile device 222. If the selected mobile device 222 isauthenticated, and the duplicate phone number conflict is observed, thenthe MSC 208 can send a message to the selected mobile device 222requesting the subscriber to enter the authentication code. Once theproper code is provided, the MSC 208 allows the selected mobile device222 to replace the prior mobile device 220 as the “current” device forthe associated phone number.

The MSC 208 can update the VLR 216 to reflect the IMSI of the selectedmobile device 222. The MSC 208 can send a revised TMSI to the selectedmobile device 222, which can facilitate ongoing voice and data sessions.The use of the authentication code enables the subscriber to handle asituation, for example, where the “current” device has been stolen. Bypowering up the selected mobile device 222, a person in illegalpossession of the “current” mobile device 220 will not be able to kickthe actual owner's other mobile devices off the wireless network.However, the actual owner, by entering the authentication code from theselected mobile device 222, would be able to immediately block thestolen or lost mobile 222 device from any network usage.

The method of swapping between mobile devices using a common phonenumber can permit a subscriber, who accidentally leaves their device athome or in a restaurant or taxi cab, to immediately shift their serviceto another device. Service to the subscriber is not be interrupted, andthe subscriber remains reachable by others at the same phone number. Thesubscriber can manage the devices sharing the common phone number by,for example, simply managing a white list of phone numbers for a homefemtocell. Similarly, if the subscriber wants to use a smart watch whileon a run or have his vehicle or boat act as the mobile device at thecommon phone number, then this same method applies. By contrast,multiple devices simultaneously connected via an application account(e.g., iTunes™) have to each be independently connected to the internet.If, for example, a smart watch is removed from access to the Internet,then it is functionally “bricked” and has no wireless access.

FIG. 2B depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method 240 in accordancewith various aspects described herein. While for purposes of simplicityof explanation, the respective processes are shown and described as aseries of blocks in FIG. 2B, it is to be understood and appreciated thatthe claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, assome blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with otherblocks from what is depicted and described herein. Moreover, not allillustrated blocks may be required to implement the methods describedherein. At step 244, a registration request for a first mobile device toaccess a mobile network can be received. At step 248, the MSC candetermine if the IMSI of the first mobile device associated with theregistration request is permitted to access the mobile network bysearching the HLR database. If the IMSI is found in the database and,therefore, is determined to be permitted to access the mobile network,then the MSC can retrieve the phone number associated with this IMSIfrom the database.

At step 256, the phone number for the IMSI of the first mobile devicecan be compared to the phone numbers of other IMSI in the HLR databaseto determine if any of the other IMSI share the same phone number. If nomatching phone number is found, then the MSC can register the firstmobile device at step 272. If a matching phone number is found, then theMSC determines if the second mobile device (with the matching phonenumber) is currently registered at the mobile network, at step 260. Ifthe second mobile device is not registered, then the MSC can registerthe first mobile device at step 272. If the second mobile device isalready registered, then the MSC can send a request for authenticationto the first mobile device, at step 264.

At step 268, the MSC can determine if the response to the request forauthentication has provided the correct authentication code. If thecorrect authentication code is not provided, then the MSC can refuseregistration of the first mobile device for access to the mobilenetwork, at step 274. If the authentication code is confirmed, then theMSC can register the first mobile device and deregister the secondmobile device, at step 278.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respectiveprocesses are shown and described as a series of blocks in FIG. 2C, itis to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter isnot limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what isdepicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks maybe required to implement the methods described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 3 , a block diagram 300 is shown illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a virtualized communication networkin accordance with various aspects described herein. In particular avirtualized communication network is presented that can be used toimplement some or all of the subsystems and functions of system 100, thesubsystems and functions of system 200, and method 230 presented inFIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, and 3 . For example, virtualized communication network300 can facilitate in whole or in part for using multiple wirelessdevices on a single phone number. A registration request for a firstmobile device to access a mobile network can be received at a mobileswitching center. The mobile switching center can determine if a firstinternational mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) that is assigned to afirst subscriber module (SIM) is permitted to access the mobile network,and, if so, then a first phone number associated with the first IMSI canbe retrieved. The mobile switching center can determine if the firstphone number associated with the first IMSI of the first mobile devicematches a second phone number associated a second IMSI of a secondmobile device. The mobile switching center can also determine if thesecond mobile device is currently registered to the mobile network, and,if so, then the mobile switching center can send a request forauthentication to register the first mobile device and to deregister thesecond mobile device. The mobile switching unit can determine whether aresponse to the request for authentication matches an authenticationcode, and, in turn can register the first mobile device, while themobile switching unit can deregister the second mobile device.

In particular, a cloud networking architecture is shown that leveragescloud technologies and supports rapid innovation and scalability via atransport layer 350, a virtualized network function cloud 325 and/or oneor more cloud computing environments 375. In various embodiments, thiscloud networking architecture is an open architecture that leveragesapplication programming interfaces (APIs); reduces complexity fromservices and operations; supports more nimble business models; andrapidly and seamlessly scales to meet evolving customer requirementsincluding traffic growth, diversity of traffic types, and diversity ofperformance and reliability expectations.

In contrast to traditional network elements—which are typicallyintegrated to perform a single function, the virtualized communicationnetwork employs virtual network elements (VNEs) 330, 332, 334, etc. thatperform some or all of the functions of network elements 150, 152, 154,156, etc. For example, the network architecture can provide a substrateof networking capability, often called Network Function VirtualizationInfrastructure (NFVI) or simply infrastructure that is capable of beingdirected with software and Software Defined Networking (SDN) protocolsto perform a broad variety of network functions and services. Thisinfrastructure can include several types of substrates. The most typicaltype of substrate being servers that support Network FunctionVirtualization (NFV), followed by packet forwarding capabilities basedon generic computing resources, with specialized network technologiesbrought to bear when general purpose processors or general purposeintegrated circuit devices offered by merchants (referred to herein asmerchant silicon) are not appropriate. In this case, communicationservices can be implemented as cloud-centric workloads.

As an example, a traditional network element 150 (shown in FIG. 1 ),such as an edge router can be implemented via a VNE 330 composed of NFVsoftware modules, merchant silicon, and associated controllers. Thesoftware can be written so that increasing workload consumes incrementalresources from a common resource pool, and moreover so that it'selastic, so the resources are only consumed when needed. In a similarfashion, other network elements such as other routers, switches, edgecaches, and middle boxes are instantiated from the common resource pool.Such sharing of infrastructure across a broad set of uses makes planningand growing infrastructure easier to manage.

In an embodiment, the transport layer 350 includes fiber, cable, wiredand/or wireless transport elements, network elements and interfaces toprovide broadband access 110, wireless access 120, voice access 130,media access 140 and/or access to content sources 175 for distributionof content to any or all of the access technologies. In particular, insome cases a network element needs to be positioned at a specific place,and this allows for less sharing of common infrastructure. Other times,the network elements have specific physical layer adapters that cannotbe abstracted or virtualized and might require special DSP code andanalog front-ends (AFEs) that do not lend themselves to implementationas VNEs 330, 332 or 334. These network elements can be included intransport layer 350.

The virtualized network function cloud 325 interfaces with the transportlayer 350 to provide the VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. to provide specificNFVs. In particular, the virtualized network function cloud 325leverages cloud operations, applications, and architectures to supportnetworking workloads. The virtualized network elements 330, 332 and 334can employ network function software that provides either a one-for-onemapping of traditional network element function or alternately somecombination of network functions designed for cloud computing. Forexample, VNEs 330, 332 and 334 can include route reflectors, domain namesystem (DNS) servers, and dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP)servers, system architecture evolution (SAE) and/or mobility managemententity (MME) gateways, broadband network gateways, IP edge routers forIP-VPN, Ethernet and other services, load balancers, distributers andother network elements. Because these elements don't typically need toforward large amounts of traffic, their workload can be distributedacross a number of servers—each of which adds a portion of thecapability, and overall which creates an elastic function with higheravailability than its former monolithic version. These virtual networkelements 330, 332, 334, etc. can be instantiated and managed using anorchestration approach similar to those used in cloud compute services.

The cloud computing environments 375 can interface with the virtualizednetwork function cloud 325 via APIs that expose functional capabilitiesof the VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. to provide the flexible and expandedcapabilities to the virtualized network function cloud 325. Inparticular, network workloads may have applications distributed acrossthe virtualized network function cloud 325 and cloud computingenvironment 375 and in the commercial cloud or might simply orchestrateworkloads supported entirely in NFV infrastructure from thesethird-party locations.

Turning now to FIG. 4 , there is illustrated a block diagram of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein. In order to provide additional context for various embodimentsof the embodiments described herein, FIG. 4 and the following discussionare intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitablecomputing environment 400 in which the various embodiments of thesubject disclosure can be implemented. In particular, computingenvironment 400 can be used in the implementation of network elements150, 152, 154, 156, access terminal 112, base station or access point122, switching device 132, media terminal 142, and/or VNEs 330, 332,334, etc. Each of these devices can be implemented viacomputer-executable instructions that can run on one or more computers,and/or in combination with other program modules and/or as a combinationof hardware and software. For example, computing environment 400 canfacilitate in whole or in part for using multiple wireless devices on asingle phone number. A registration request for a first mobile device toaccess a mobile network can be received at a mobile switching center.The mobile switching center can determine if a first internationalmobile subscriber identity (IMSI) that is assigned to a first subscribermodule (SIM) is permitted to access the mobile network, and, if so, thena first phone number associated with the first IMSI can be retrieved.The mobile switching center can determine if the first phone numberassociated with the first IMSI of the first mobile device matches asecond phone number associated a second IMSI of a second mobile device.The mobile switching center can also determine if the second mobiledevice is currently registered to the mobile network, and, if so, thenthe mobile switching center can send a request for authentication toregister the first mobile device and to deregister the second mobiledevice. The mobile switching unit can determine whether a response tothe request for authentication matches an authentication code, and, inturn can register the first mobile device, while the mobile switchingunit can deregister the second mobile device.

Generally, program modules comprise routines, programs, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, comprising single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices. Other examples ofcomputing systems include wearable device, such as smart glasses,personal monitoring devices, and virtual reality goggles.

As used herein, a processing circuit includes one or more processors aswell as other application specific circuits such as an applicationspecific integrated circuit, digital logic circuit, state machine,programmable gate array or other circuit that processes input signals ordata and that produces output signals or data in response thereto. Itshould be noted that while any functions and features described hereinin association with the operation of a processor could likewise beperformed by a processing circuit.

The illustrated embodiments of the embodiments herein can be alsopracticed in distributed computing environments where certain tasks areperformed by remote processing devices that are linked through acommunications network. In a distributed computing environment, programmodules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Computing devices typically comprise a variety of media, which cancomprise computer-readable storage media and/or communications media,which two terms are used herein differently from one another as follows.Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media thatcan be accessed by the computer and comprises both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implementedin connection with any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structured dataor unstructured data.

Computer-readable storage media can comprise, but are not limited to,random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electricallyerasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or othermemory technology, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), digitalversatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devicesor other tangible and/or non-transitory media which can be used to storedesired information. In this regard, the terms “tangible” or“non-transitory” herein as applied to storage, memory orcomputer-readable media, are to be understood to exclude onlypropagating transitory signals per se as modifiers and do not relinquishrights to all standard storage, memory or computer-readable media thatare not only propagating transitory signals per se.

Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or more local orremote computing devices, e.g., via access requests, queries or otherdata retrieval protocols, for a variety of operations with respect tothe information stored by the medium.

Communications media typically embody computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other structured or unstructureddata in a data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrierwave or other transport mechanism, and comprises any informationdelivery or transport media. The term “modulated data signal” or signalsrefers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set orchanged in such a manner as to encode information in one or moresignals. By way of example, and not limitation, communication mediacomprise wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wiredconnection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and otherwireless media.

With reference again to FIG. 4 , the example environment can comprise acomputer 402, the computer 402 comprising a processing unit 404, asystem memory 406 and a system bus 408. The system bus 408 couplessystem components including, but not limited to, the system memory 406to the processing unit 404. The processing unit 404 can be any ofvarious commercially available processors. Dual microprocessors andother multiprocessor architectures can also be employed as theprocessing unit 404.

The system bus 408 can be any of several types of bus structure that canfurther interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 406comprises ROM 410 and RAM 412. A basic input/output system (BIOS) can bestored in a non-volatile memory such as ROM, erasable programmable readonly memory (EPROM), EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routines thathelp to transfer information between elements within the computer 402,such as during startup. The RAM 412 can also comprise a high-speed RAMsuch as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 402 further comprises an internal hard disk drive (HDD) 414(e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal HDD 414 can also be configured forexternal use in a suitable chassis (not shown), a magnetic floppy diskdrive (FDD) 416, (e.g., to read from or write to a removable diskette418) and an optical disk drive 420, (e.g., reading a CD-ROM disk 422 or,to read from or write to other high capacity optical media such as theDVD). The HDD 414, magnetic FDD 416 and optical disk drive 420 can beconnected to the system bus 408 by a hard disk drive interface 424, amagnetic disk drive interface 426 and an optical drive interface 428,respectively. The hard disk drive interface 424 for external driveimplementations comprises at least one or both of Universal Serial Bus(USB) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394interface technologies. Other external drive connection technologies arewithin contemplation of the embodiments described herein.

The drives and their associated computer-readable storage media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 402, the drives and storagemedia accommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digital format.Although the description of computer-readable storage media above refersto a hard disk drive (HDD), a removable magnetic diskette, and aremovable optical media such as a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that other types of storage media which arereadable by a computer, such as zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flashmemory cards, cartridges, and the like, can also be used in the exampleoperating environment, and further, that any such storage media cancontain computer-executable instructions for performing the methodsdescribed herein.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 412,comprising an operating system 430, one or more application programs432, other program modules 434 and program data 436. All or portions ofthe operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also becached in the RAM 412. The systems and methods described herein can beimplemented utilizing various commercially available operating systemsor combinations of operating systems.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer 402 throughone or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 438 and apointing device, such as a mouse 440. Other input devices (not shown)can comprise a microphone, an infrared (IR) remote control, a joystick,a game pad, a stylus pen, touch screen or the like. These and otherinput devices are often connected to the processing unit 404 through aninput device interface 442 that can be coupled to the system bus 408,but can be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, anIEEE 1394 serial port, a game port, a universal serial bus (USB) port,an IR interface, etc.

A monitor 444 or other type of display device can be also connected tothe system bus 408 via an interface, such as a video adapter 446. Itwill also be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, a monitor 444can also be any display device (e.g., another computer having a display,a smart phone, a tablet computer, etc.) for receiving displayinformation associated with computer 402 via any communication means,including via the Internet and cloud-based networks. In addition to themonitor 444, a computer typically comprises other peripheral outputdevices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

The computer 402 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 448. The remotecomputer(s) 448 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentappliance, a wearable device, such as smart glasses, a peer device orother common network node, and typically comprises many or all of theelements described relative to the computer 402, although, for purposesof brevity, only a remote memory/storage device 450 is illustrated. Thelogical connections depicted comprise wired/wireless connectivity to alocal area network (LAN) 452 and/or larger networks, e.g., a wide areanetwork (WAN) 454. Such LAN and WAN networking environments arecommonplace in offices and companies, and facilitate enterprise-widecomputer networks, such as intranets, all of which can connect to aglobal communications network, e.g., the Internet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 402 can beconnected to the LAN 452 through a wired and/or wireless communicationnetwork interface or adapter 456. The adapter 456 can facilitate wiredor wireless communication to the LAN 452, which can also comprise awireless AP disposed thereon for communicating with the adapter 456.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 402 can comprisea modem 458 or can be connected to a communications server on the WAN454 or has other means for establishing communications over the WAN 454,such as by way of the Internet. The modem 458, which can be internal orexternal and a wired or wireless device, can be connected to the systembus 408 via the input device interface 442. In a networked environment,program modules depicted relative to the computer 402 or portionsthereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device 450. It willbe appreciated that the network connections shown are example and othermeans of establishing a communications link between the computers can beused.

The computer 402 can be operable to communicate with any wirelessdevices or entities operatively disposed in wireless communication,e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portabledata assistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment orlocation associated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk,news stand, restroom), and telephone. This can comprise WirelessFidelity (Wi-Fi) and BLUETOOTH® wireless technologies. Thus, thecommunication can be a predefined structure as with a conventionalnetwork or simply an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi can allow connection to the Internet from a couch at home, a bedin a hotel room or a conference room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is awireless technology similar to that used in a cell phone that enablessuch devices, e.g., computers, to send and receive data indoors and out,anywhere within the range of a base station. Wi-Fi networks use radiotechnologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, n, ac, ag, etc.) to providesecure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can beused to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wirednetworks (which can use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operatein the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands for example or with productsthat contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can providereal-world performance similar to the basic 10 BaseT wired Ethernetnetworks used in many offices.

Turning now to FIG. 5 , an embodiment 500 of a mobile network platform510 is shown that is an example of network elements 150, 152, 154, 156,and/or VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. For example, platform 510 can facilitatein whole or in part using multiple wireless devices on a single phonenumber. A registration request for a first mobile device to access amobile network can be received at a mobile switching center. The mobileswitching center can determine if a first international mobilesubscriber identity (IMSI) that is assigned to a first subscriber module(SIM) is permitted to access the mobile network, and, if so, then afirst phone number associated with the first IMSI can be retrieved. Themobile switching center can determine if the first phone numberassociated with the first IMSI of the first mobile device matches asecond phone number associated a second IMSI of a second mobile device.The mobile switching center can also determine if the second mobiledevice is currently registered to the mobile network, and, if so, thenthe mobile switching center can send a request for authentication toregister the first mobile device and to deregister the second mobiledevice. The mobile switching unit can determine whether a response tothe request for authentication matches an authentication code, and, inturn can register the first mobile device, while the mobile switchingunit can deregister the second mobile device. In one or moreembodiments, the mobile network platform 510 can generate and receivesignals transmitted and received by base stations or access points suchas base station or access point 122. Generally, mobile network platform510 can comprise components, e.g., nodes, gateways, interfaces, servers,or disparate platforms, that facilitate both packet-switched (PS) (e.g.,internet protocol (IP), frame relay, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM))and circuit-switched (CS) traffic (e.g., voice and data), as well ascontrol generation for networked wireless telecommunication. As anon-limiting example, mobile network platform 510 can be included intelecommunications carrier networks and can be considered carrier-sidecomponents as discussed elsewhere herein. Mobile network platform 510comprises CS gateway node(s) 512 which can interface CS traffic receivedfrom legacy networks like telephony network(s) 540 (e.g., publicswitched telephone network (PSTN), or public land mobile network (PLMN))or a signaling system #7 (SS7) network 560. CS gateway node(s) 512 canauthorize and authenticate traffic (e.g., voice) arising from suchnetworks. Additionally, CS gateway node(s) 512 can access mobility, orroaming, data generated through SS7 network 560; for instance, mobilitydata stored in a visited location register (VLR), which can reside inmemory 530. Moreover, CS gateway node(s) 512 interfaces CS-based trafficand signaling and PS gateway node(s) 518. As an example, in a 3GPP UMTSnetwork, CS gateway node(s) 512 can be realized at least in part ingateway GPRS support node(s) (GGSN). It should be appreciated thatfunctionality and specific operation of CS gateway node(s) 512, PSgateway node(s) 518, and serving node(s) 516, is provided and dictatedby radio technology(ies) utilized by mobile network platform 510 fortelecommunication over a radio access network 520 with other devices,such as a radiotelephone 575.

In addition to receiving and processing CS-switched traffic andsignaling, PS gateway node(s) 518 can authorize and authenticatePS-based data sessions with served mobile devices. Data sessions cancomprise traffic, or content(s), exchanged with networks external to themobile network platform 510, like wide area network(s) (WANs) 550,enterprise network(s) 570, and service network(s) 580, which can beembodied in local area network(s) (LANs), can also be interfaced withmobile network platform 510 through PS gateway node(s) 518. It is to benoted that WANs 550 and enterprise network(s) 570 can embody, at leastin part, a service network(s) like IP multimedia subsystem (IMS). Basedon radio technology layer(s) available in technology resource(s) orradio access network 520, PS gateway node(s) 518 can generate packetdata protocol contexts when a data session is established; other datastructures that facilitate routing of packetized data also can begenerated. To that end, in an aspect, PS gateway node(s) 518 cancomprise a tunnel interface (e.g., tunnel termination gateway (TTG) in3GPP UMTS network(s) (not shown)) which can facilitate packetizedcommunication with disparate wireless network(s), such as Wi-Finetworks.

In embodiment 500, mobile network platform 510 also comprises servingnode(s) 516 that, based upon available radio technology layer(s) withintechnology resource(s) in the radio access network 520, convey thevarious packetized flows of data streams received through PS gatewaynode(s) 518. It is to be noted that for technology resource(s) that relyprimarily on CS communication, server node(s) can deliver trafficwithout reliance on PS gateway node(s) 518; for example, server node(s)can embody at least in part a mobile switching center. As an example, ina 3GPP UMTS network, serving node(s) 516 can be embodied in serving GPRSsupport node(s) (SGSN).

For radio technologies that exploit packetized communication, server(s)514 in mobile network platform 510 can execute numerous applicationsthat can generate multiple disparate packetized data streams or flows,and manage (e.g., schedule, queue, format . . . ) such flows. Suchapplication(s) can comprise add-on features to standard services (forexample, provisioning, billing, customer support . . . ) provided bymobile network platform 510. Data streams (e.g., content(s) that arepart of a voice call or data session) can be conveyed to PS gatewaynode(s) 518 for authorization/authentication and initiation of a datasession, and to serving node(s) 516 for communication thereafter. Inaddition to application server, server(s) 514 can comprise utilityserver(s), a utility server can comprise a provisioning server, anoperations and maintenance server, a security server that can implementat least in part a certificate authority and firewalls as well as othersecurity mechanisms, and the like. In an aspect, security server(s)secure communication served through mobile network platform 510 toensure network's operation and data integrity in addition toauthorization and authentication procedures that CS gateway node(s) 512and PS gateway node(s) 518 can enact. Moreover, provisioning server(s)can provision services from external network(s) like networks operatedby a disparate service provider; for instance, WAN 550 or GlobalPositioning System (GPS) network(s) (not shown). Provisioning server(s)can also provision coverage through networks associated to mobilenetwork platform 510 (e.g., deployed and operated by the same serviceprovider), such as the distributed antennas networks shown in FIG. 1(s)that enhance wireless service coverage by providing more networkcoverage.

It is to be noted that server(s) 514 can comprise one or more processorsconfigured to confer at least in part the functionality of mobilenetwork platform 510. To that end, the one or more processor can executecode instructions stored in memory 530, for example. It should beappreciated that server(s) 514 can comprise a content manager, whichoperates in substantially the same manner as described hereinbefore.

In example embodiment 500, memory 530 can store information related tooperation of mobile network platform 510. Other operational informationcan comprise provisioning information of mobile devices served throughmobile network platform 510, subscriber databases; applicationintelligence, pricing schemes, e.g., promotional rates, flat-rateprograms, couponing campaigns; technical specification(s) consistentwith telecommunication protocols for operation of disparate radio, orwireless, technology layers; and so forth. Memory 530 can also storeinformation from at least one of telephony network(s) 540, WAN 550, SS7network 560, or enterprise network(s) 570. In an aspect, memory 530 canbe, for example, accessed as part of a data store component or as aremotely connected memory store.

In order to provide a context for the various aspects of the disclosedsubject matter, FIG. 5 , and the following discussion, are intended toprovide a brief, general description of a suitable environment in whichthe various aspects of the disclosed subject matter can be implemented.While the subject matter has been described above in the general contextof computer-executable instructions of a computer program that runs on acomputer and/or computers, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe disclosed subject matter also can be implemented in combination withother program modules. Generally, program modules comprise routines,programs, components, data structures, etc. that perform particulartasks and/or implement particular abstract data types.

Turning now to FIG. 6 , an illustrative embodiment of a communicationdevice 600 is shown. The communication device 600 can serve as anillustrative embodiment of devices such as data terminals 114, mobiledevices 124, vehicle 126, display devices 144 or other client devicesfor communication via either communications network 125. For example,computing device 600 can facilitate in whole or in part using multiplewireless devices on a single phone number. A registration request for afirst mobile device to access a mobile network can be received at amobile switching center. The mobile switching center can determine if afirst international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) that is assignedto a first subscriber module (SIM) is permitted to access the mobilenetwork, and, if so, then a first phone number associated with the firstIMSI can be retrieved. The mobile switching center can determine if thefirst phone number associated with the first IMSI of the first mobiledevice matches a second phone number associated a second IMSI of asecond mobile device. The mobile switching center can also determine ifthe second mobile device is currently registered to the mobile network,and, if so, then the mobile switching center can send a request forauthentication to register the first mobile device and to deregister thesecond mobile device. The mobile switching unit can determine whether aresponse to the request for authentication matches an authenticationcode, and, in turn can register the first mobile device, while themobile switching unit can deregister the second mobile device. Thecommunication device 600 can comprise a wireline and/or wirelesstransceiver 602 (herein transceiver 602), a user interface (UI) 604, apower supply 614, a location receiver 616, a motion sensor 618, anorientation sensor 620, and a controller 606 for managing operationsthereof. The transceiver 602 can support short-range or long-rangewireless access technologies such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, WiFi, DECT, orcellular communication technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth®and ZigBee® are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth® Special InterestGroup and the ZigBee® Alliance, respectively). Cellular technologies caninclude, for example, CDMA-1X, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO,WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next generation wireless communicationtechnologies as they arise. The transceiver 602 can also be adapted tosupport circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN),packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP,etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI 604 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad 608 witha navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse, or anavigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device600. The keypad 608 can be an integral part of a housing assembly of thecommunication device 600 or an independent device operably coupledthereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or awireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth®. The keypad 608 canrepresent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTYkeypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 604 can further include a display610 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED(Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology forconveying images to an end user of the communication device 600. In anembodiment where the display 610 is touch-sensitive, a portion or all ofthe keypad 608 can be presented by way of the display 610 withnavigation features.

The display 610 can use touch screen technology to also serve as a userinterface for detecting user input. As a touch screen display, thecommunication device 600 can be adapted to present a user interfacehaving graphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by auser with a touch of a finger. The display 610 can be equipped withcapacitive, resistive or other forms of sensing technology to detect howmuch surface area of a user's finger has been placed on a portion of thetouch screen display. This sensing information can be used to controlthe manipulation of the GUI elements or other functions of the userinterface. The display 610 can be an integral part of the housingassembly of the communication device 600 or an independent devicecommunicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (suchas a cable) or a wireless interface.

The UI 604 can also include an audio system 612 that utilizes audiotechnology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard inproximity of a human ear) and high-volume audio (such as speakerphonefor hands free operation). The audio system 612 can further include amicrophone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audiosystem 612 can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI604 can further include an image sensor 613 such as a charged coupleddevice (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply 614 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulationtechnologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energyto the components of the communication device 600 to facilitatelong-range or short-range portable communications. Alternatively, or incombination, the charging system can utilize external power sources suchas DC power supplied over a physical interface such as a USB port orother suitable tethering technologies.

The location receiver 616 can utilize location technology such as aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS foridentifying a location of the communication device 600 based on signalsgenerated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used forfacilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor 618can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, agyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motionof the communication device 600 in three-dimensional space. Theorientation sensor 620 can utilize orientation sensing technology suchas a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device600 (north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations indegrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics).

The communication device 600 can use the transceiver 602 to alsodetermine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth®, or other wirelessaccess points by sensing techniques such as utilizing a received signalstrength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal time of arrival (TOA) or time offlight (TOF) measurements. The controller 606 can utilize computingtechnologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP),programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits,and/or a video processor with associated storage memory such as Flash,ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executingcomputer instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by theaforementioned components of the communication device 600.

Other components not shown in FIG. 6 can be used in one or moreembodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the communicationdevice 600 can include a slot for adding or removing an identity modulesuch as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card or Universal IntegratedCircuit Card (UICC). SIM or UICC cards can be used for identifyingsubscriber services, executing programs, storing subscriber data, and soon.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and so forth, as used in theclaims, unless otherwise clear by context, is for clarity only anddoesn't otherwise indicate or imply any order in time. For instance, “afirst determination,” “a second determination,” and “a thirddetermination,” does not indicate or imply that the first determinationis to be made before the second determination, or vice versa, etc.

In the subject specification, terms such as “store,” “storage,” “datastore,” data storage,” “database,” and substantially any otherinformation storage component relevant to operation and functionality ofa component, refer to “memory components,” or entities embodied in a“memory” or components comprising the memory. It will be appreciatedthat the memory components described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory, or can comprise both volatile andnonvolatile memory, by way of illustration, and not limitation, volatilememory, non-volatile memory, disk storage, and memory storage. Further,nonvolatile memory can be included in read only memory (ROM),programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM),electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory cancomprise random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cachememory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available inmany forms such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM),synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhancedSDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM).Additionally, the disclosed memory components of systems or methodsherein are intended to comprise, without being limited to comprising,these and any other suitable types of memory.

Moreover, it will be noted that the disclosed subject matter can bepracticed with other computer system configurations, comprisingsingle-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, mini-computingdevices, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, hand-heldcomputing devices (e.g., PDA, phone, smartphone, watch, tabletcomputers, netbook computers, etc.), microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer or industrial electronics, and the like. Theillustrated aspects can also be practiced in distributed computingenvironments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices thatare linked through a communications network; however, some if not allaspects of the subject disclosure can be practiced on stand-alonecomputers. In a distributed computing environment, program modules canbe located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

In one or more embodiments, information regarding use of services can begenerated including services being accessed, media consumption history,user preferences, and so forth. This information can be obtained byvarious methods including user input, detecting types of communications(e.g., video content vs. audio content), analysis of content streams,sampling, and so forth. The generating, obtaining and/or monitoring ofthis information can be responsive to an authorization provided by theuser. In one or more embodiments, an analysis of data can be subject toauthorization from user(s) associated with the data, such as an opt-in,an opt-out, acknowledgment requirements, notifications, selectiveauthorization based on types of data, and so forth.

Some of the embodiments described herein can also employ artificialintelligence (AI) to facilitate automating one or more featuresdescribed herein. The embodiments (e.g., in connection withautomatically identifying acquired cell sites that provide a maximumvalue/benefit after addition to an existing communication network) canemploy various AI-based schemes for carrying out various embodimentsthereof. Moreover, the classifier can be employed to determine a rankingor priority of each cell site of the acquired network. A classifier is afunction that maps an input attribute vector, x=(x1, x2, x3, x4, . . . ,xn), to a confidence that the input belongs to a class, that is,f(x)=confidence (class). Such classification can employ a probabilisticand/or statistical-based analysis (e.g., factoring into the analysisutilities and costs) to determine or infer an action that a user desiresto be automatically performed. A support vector machine (SVM) is anexample of a classifier that can be employed. The SVM operates byfinding a hypersurface in the space of possible inputs, which thehypersurface attempts to split the triggering criteria from thenon-triggering events. Intuitively, this makes the classificationcorrect for testing data that is near, but not identical to trainingdata. Other directed and undirected model classification approachescomprise, e.g., naïve Bayes, Bayesian networks, decision trees, neuralnetworks, fuzzy logic models, and probabilistic classification modelsproviding different patterns of independence can be employed.Classification as used herein also is inclusive of statisticalregression that is utilized to develop models of priority.

As will be readily appreciated, one or more of the embodiments canemploy classifiers that are explicitly trained (e.g., via a generictraining data) as well as implicitly trained (e.g., via observing UEbehavior, operator preferences, historical information, receivingextrinsic information). For example, SVMs can be configured via alearning or training phase within a classifier constructor and featureselection module. Thus, the classifier(s) can be used to automaticallylearn and perform a number of functions, including but not limited todetermining according to predetermined criteria which of the acquiredcell sites will benefit a maximum number of subscribers and/or which ofthe acquired cell sites will add minimum value to the existingcommunication network coverage, etc.

As used in some contexts in this application, in some embodiments, theterms “component,” “system” and the like are intended to refer to, orcomprise, a computer-related entity or an entity related to anoperational apparatus with one or more specific functionalities, whereinthe entity can be either hardware, a combination of hardware andsoftware, software, or software in execution. As an example, a componentmay be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, aprocessor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution,computer-executable instructions, a program, and/or a computer. By wayof illustration and not limitation, both an application running on aserver and the server can be a component. One or more components mayreside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component maybe localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or morecomputers. In addition, these components can execute from variouscomputer readable media having various data structures stored thereon.The components may communicate via local and/or remote processes such asin accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., datafrom one component interacting with another component in a local system,distributed system, and/or across a network such as the Internet withother systems via the signal). As another example, a component can be anapparatus with specific functionality provided by mechanical partsoperated by electric or electronic circuitry, which is operated by asoftware or firmware application executed by a processor, wherein theprocessor can be internal or external to the apparatus and executes atleast a part of the software or firmware application. As yet anotherexample, a component can be an apparatus that provides specificfunctionality through electronic components without mechanical parts,the electronic components can comprise a processor therein to executesoftware or firmware that confers at least in part the functionality ofthe electronic components. While various components have beenillustrated as separate components, it will be appreciated that multiplecomponents can be implemented as a single component, or a singlecomponent can be implemented as multiple components, without departingfrom example embodiments.

Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a method,apparatus or article of manufacture using standard programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware or anycombination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosedsubject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein isintended to encompass a computer program accessible from anycomputer-readable device or computer-readable storage/communicationsmedia. For example, computer readable storage media can include, but arenot limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk,magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digitalversatile disk (DVD)), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g.,card, stick, key drive). Of course, those skilled in the art willrecognize many modifications can be made to this configuration withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the various embodiments.

In addition, the words “example” and “exemplary” are used herein to meanserving as an instance or illustration. Any embodiment or designdescribed herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments ordesigns. Rather, use of the word example or exemplary is intended topresent concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, theterm “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive“or”. That is, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, “Xemploys A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusivepermutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both Aand B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoinginstances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in thisapplication and the appended claims should generally be construed tomean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context tobe directed to a singular form.

Moreover, terms such as “user equipment,” “mobile station,” “mobile,”subscriber station,” “access terminal,” “terminal,” “handset,” “mobiledevice” (and/or terms representing similar terminology) can refer to awireless device utilized by a subscriber or user of a wirelesscommunication service to receive or convey data, control, voice, video,sound, gaming or substantially any data-stream or signaling-stream. Theforegoing terms are utilized interchangeably herein and with referenceto the related drawings.

Furthermore, the terms “user,” “subscriber,” “customer,” “consumer” andthe like are employed interchangeably throughout, unless contextwarrants particular distinctions among the terms. It should beappreciated that such terms can refer to human entities or automatedcomponents supported through artificial intelligence (e.g., a capacityto make inference based, at least, on complex mathematical formalisms),which can provide simulated vision, sound recognition and so forth.

As employed herein, the term “processor” can refer to substantially anycomputing processing unit or device comprising, but not limited tocomprising, single-core processors; single-processors with softwaremultithread execution capability; multi-core processors; multi-coreprocessors with software multithread execution capability; multi-coreprocessors with hardware multithread technology; parallel platforms; andparallel platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, aprocessor can refer to an integrated circuit, an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic controller (PLC), acomplex programmable logic device (CPLD), a discrete gate or transistorlogic, discrete hardware components or any combination thereof designedto perform the functions described herein. Processors can exploitnano-scale architectures such as, but not limited to, molecular andquantum-dot based transistors, switches and gates, in order to optimizespace usage or enhance performance of user equipment. A processor canalso be implemented as a combination of computing processing units.

As used herein, terms such as “data storage,” data storage,” “database,”and substantially any other information storage component relevant tooperation and functionality of a component, refer to “memorycomponents,” or entities embodied in a “memory” or components comprisingthe memory. It will be appreciated that the memory components orcomputer-readable storage media, described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory or can include both volatile andnonvolatile memory.

What has been described above includes mere examples of variousembodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe everyconceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes ofdescribing these examples, but one of ordinary skill in the art canrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the presentembodiments are possible. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed and/orclaimed herein are intended to embrace all such alterations,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes”is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term isintended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as“comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in aclaim.

In addition, a flow diagram may include a “start” and/or “continue”indication. The “start” and “continue” indications reflect that thesteps presented can optionally be incorporated in or otherwise used inconjunction with other routines. In this context, “start” indicates thebeginning of the first step presented and may be preceded by otheractivities not specifically shown. Further, the “continue” indicationreflects that the steps presented may be performed multiple times and/ormay be succeeded by other activities not specifically shown. Further,while a flow diagram indicates a particular ordering of steps, otherorderings are likewise possible provided that the principles ofcausality are maintained.

As may also be used herein, the term(s) “operably coupled to”, “coupledto”, and/or “coupling” includes direct coupling between items and/orindirect coupling between items via one or more intervening items. Suchitems and intervening items include, but are not limited to, junctions,communication paths, components, circuit elements, circuits, functionalblocks, and/or devices. As an example of indirect coupling, a signalconveyed from a first item to a second item may be modified by one ormore intervening items by modifying the form, nature or format ofinformation in a signal, while one or more elements of the informationin the signal are nevertheless conveyed in a manner than can berecognized by the second item. In a further example of indirectcoupling, an action in a first item can cause a reaction on the seconditem, as a result of actions and/or reactions in one or more interveningitems.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement which achieves thesame or similar purpose may be substituted for the embodiments describedor shown by the subject disclosure. The subject disclosure is intendedto cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, can be used in the subject disclosure.For instance, one or more features from one or more embodiments can becombined with one or more features of one or more other embodiments. Inone or more embodiments, features that are positively recited can alsobe negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or withoutreplacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The stepsor functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subjectdisclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or functionsdescribed with respect to the embodiments of the subject disclosure canbe performed alone or in combination with other steps or functions ofthe subject disclosure, as well as from other embodiments or from othersteps that have not been described in the subject disclosure. Further,more than or less than all of the features described with respect to anembodiment can also be utilized.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: receiving, by a mobileswitching center, a first registration request to access a mobilenetwork; and responsive to the receiving the first registration request:determining, by the mobile switching center, whether a first mobiledevice associated with the first registration request is permitted toaccess the mobile network according to a first international mobilesubscriber identity (IMSI) assigned to a first subscriber identitymodule (SIM) of the first mobile device; responsive to determining thatthe first mobile device is permitted access to the mobile network,retrieving, by the mobile switching center, a first phone numberassociated with the first IMSI of the first mobile device; determining,by the mobile switching center, whether the first phone numberassociated with the first IMSI of the first mobile device matches asecond phone number associated with a second IMSI assigned to a secondSIM of a second mobile device; determining, by the mobile switchingcenter, whether the second mobile device is currently registered to themobile network; responsive to determining that the first phone numbermatches the second phone number and that the second mobile device iscurrently registered to the mobile network, sending, by the mobileswitching center, a request for authentication to register the firstmobile device and to deregister the second mobile device; determining,by the mobile switching center, whether a response to the request forthe authentication code matches an authentication code; and responsiveto the determining the response matches the authentication code,registering, by the mobile switching center, the first mobile device tothe mobile network and deregistering, by the mobile switching center,the second mobile device from the mobile network.
 2. The method of claim1, further comprising routing, by the mobile switching center, a voicecall to the first mobile device responsive to registering the firstmobile device to the mobile network.
 3. The method of claim 1, whereinthe first registration request is generated responsive to powering upthe first mobile device.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the firstregistration request is generated by an application or a function at thefirst mobile device.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the firstregistration request is generated responsive to a loss of networkconnection between the second mobile device and the mobile network. 6.The method of claim 1, further comprising deregistering, by the mobileswitching center, the first mobile device from the mobile network andregistering, by the mobile switching center, the second mobile device tothe mobile network responsive to an authentication of a secondregistration request associated with the second mobile device.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising receiving, by the mobile switchingcenter, the response to the request for authentication from the secondmobile device.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving,by the mobile switching center, the response to the request forauthentication from the first mobile device.
 9. A device, comprising aprocessing system including a processor; and a memory that storesexecutable instructions that, when executed by the processing system,facilitate performance of operations, the operations comprising:responsive to a first registration request to access a mobile network,retrieving a first phone number associated with a first internationalmobile subscriber identity (IMSI) assigned to a first subscriberidentity module (SIM) of a first mobile device associated with the firstregistration request; determining whether the first phone numberassociated with the first IMSI of the first mobile device matches asecond phone number associated with a second IMSI assigned to a secondSIM of a second mobile device; determining whether the second mobiledevice is currently registered to the mobile network; responsive todetermining that the first phone number matches the second phone numberand that the second mobile device is currently registered to the mobilenetwork, sending a request for authentication to register the firstmobile device and to deregister the second mobile device; determiningwhether a response to the request for the authentication code matches anauthentication code; and responsive to the determining the responsematches the authentication code, registering the first mobile device tothe mobile network and deregistering the second mobile device from themobile network.
 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the operationsfurther comprise receiving the first registration request to access themobile network from the first mobile device.
 11. The device of claim 9,wherein the operations further comprise routing a voice call to thefirst mobile device responsive to registering the first mobile device tothe mobile network.
 12. The device of claim 9, wherein the firstregistration request is generated responsive to powering up the firstmobile device.
 13. The device of claim 9, wherein the first registrationrequest is generated by an application or a function at the first mobiledevice.
 14. The device of claim 9, wherein the first registrationrequest is generated responsive to a loss of network connection betweenthe second mobile device and the mobile network.
 15. The device of claim9, wherein the operations further comprise deregistering the firstmobile device from the mobile network and registering the second mobiledevice to the mobile network responsive to an authentication of a secondregistration request associated with the second mobile device.
 16. Thedevice of claim 9, wherein the operations further comprise receiving theresponse to the request for authentication from the second mobiledevice.
 17. The device of claim 9, wherein the first mobile device is awearable device.
 18. A non-transitory machine-readable medium,comprising executable instructions that, when executed by a processingsystem including a processor, facilitate performance of operations, theoperations comprising: responsive to a first registration request toaccess a mobile network, determining whether a first phone numberassociated with a first international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)assigned to a first subscriber identity module (SIM) of a first mobiledevice matches a second phone number associated with a second IMSIassigned to a second SIM of a second mobile device; determining whetherthe second mobile device is currently registered to the mobile network;responsive to determining that the first phone number matches the secondphone number and that the second mobile device is currently registeredto the mobile network, sending a request for authentication to registerthe first mobile device and to deregister the second mobile device;determining whether a response to the request for the authenticationcode matches an authentication code; and responsive to the determiningthe response matches the authentication code, registering the firstmobile device to the mobile network and deregistering the second mobiledevice from the mobile network.
 19. The non-transitory machine-readablemedium of claim 18, wherein the operations further comprise routing avoice call to the first mobile device responsive to registering thefirst mobile device to the mobile network.
 20. The non-transitorymachine-readable medium of claim 18, wherein the operations furthercomprise receiving the response to the request for authentication fromthe second mobile device.